Caymanian Swimmers Make Splash In Jamaica
A group of 18 swimmers recently went to Kingston, Jamaica, to the "LAS LIC" meet, led by Coach Dominic Ross.
Dave and senior swimmer Drew Mackay went to Minneapolis to the "US Open", a very fast meet.
Andrew's events were over Friday so he came back here and Dave went straight to Jamaica, making it for the Saturday afternoon session and both Sunday sessions.
Although low on depth, the Jamaican "LAS LIC" meet was a great first long course experience this season for Cayman's swimmers.
All of the team swam personal or in-season bests.
Many Jamaican all-comers records were broken and strong first time efforts were made by our swimmers which included 8-year-olds and unders through to 16-year-old Carifta veterans.
Coach Dom was joined by National Coach Dave Kelsheimer who flew from the US Open in Minneapolis to join the team on the second day of the three-day meet.
"The swimmers swam very well given the heavy trainload were under," said Dave.
"Normally the only gauge would be where they were at this time last year. Not only did they surpass that standard but also swam many lifetime bests.
"We are very excited about this great start to the season."
Here is the scoop on the Jamaica Meet from the website. http://www.swimjamaica.com/mainpage.htm
At the US Open, Andrew Mackay braved 17 degree Minneapolis to swim a strong unrested 100 back and a second 200IM in a time trial after a shaky start on the first day.
"It is always a good learning experience for our swimmers to compete at major in season meets unrested," said Dave.
"We are focused on laying a foundation for the end of the season and don't want to jeopardize that preparation by resting too soon."
Swim star and Lions Pool visitor Lenny Krazylburg was also unrested and was upset by a second string Canadian swimmer in the 200 Back.
Lenny did win the 100 back by beating fellow Olympic champions and Cayman visitors Jeff Rouse and Neil Walker.
Walker, who rested for the Open, won the sprint freestyle events needed to assure the continuation of his funding with a World Top Ten finish.